378 ///-45 to ///-46
coming to be is a process leading to existence. Therefore, neither is a
body the cause of the non-bodily nor is the non-bodily the cause of a
body, from which it follows that nothing is a cause.
Sextus PH 3.63-81 [III-46]
Ch. ix On Motion
- In addition to what has been previously said, we might turn our
attention to the argument regarding motions; this too would make it
impossible for the physical doctrine of the dogmatists to be accepted.
For it certainly ought to be the case that compounds come about on the
basis of some motion of their elements and their efficient principle. If,
therefore, we suggest that no type of motion is agreed upon, it will be
clear that, even if, for the sake of hypothesis, everything previously
mentioned is granted, the so-called physical doctrine of the dogmatists
has been elaborated in vain.
Ch. x On Locomotion
- Now those who seem to have delineated motion more fully say
that there exist six types: motion in place, qualitative change, increase,
diminution, generation, and destruction. Therefore, we shall turn our
attention to each one of the above-mentioned types of motion, beginning
with locomotion. This motion, then, according to the dogmatists, is that
whereby that which is moved goes from one place to another, either
wholly or partly, wholly, as when one walks about, and partly as in the
motion of a sphere around its axis, for here the whole stays in the same
place, but the parts change places. - The chief positions regarding motion have been, I believe, three.
Ordinary people and some philosophers suppose that motion exists
whereas Parmenides, Melissus, and some others suppose that it does not.
The sceptics have said that motion no more is than is not, for judging
by appearances, motion seems to exist, but judging by philosophical
argument, it does not. Therefore, when we have laid out the opposition
between those who suppose motion to exist and those who proclaim that
motion is nothing, if we discover that the disagreement is [between
arguments with] equal force, we shall be compelled to say, at least so far
as these arguments go, that motion no more is than is not. 66. We shall
begin with those who say that it exists.
These are supported by the obviousness of the matter. For if, they
say, motion does not exist, how does the sun move from east to west,
and how does it produce the seasons of the year which arise from its
coming close to us and then receding? Or how do ships leave harbours